Dim prospects of end to deadlock on JPC probe into 2G spectrum

Published: Monday, February 7, 2011, 21:45 [IST]

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New Delhi, Feb 7 (PTI) Prospects of an immediate end tothe deadlock in Parliament over the JPC probe into 2G spectrumscam today appeared dim with the Opposition and governmentremaining firm in their respective positions for and againstsuch an inquiry on the eve of an all-party meeting tomorrow.

While there was no official word about any new proposalfrom the government to end the stalemate and ''save'' the comingBudget session of Parliament, Finance Minister PranabMukherjee, today questioned the logic behind the Opposition''sdemand.

The standoff had washed out virtually the entire wintersession of Parliament.

Mukherjee, who has convened tomorrow''s meeting, saidsetting up of JPC would only lead to duplication of probe intothe 2G spectrum scam.

Striking a similar note, Congress, leading the coalitionat the Centre, stuck to its opposition to the formation ofJPC.

Party spokesman Shakeel Ahmed hoped "there may be otheroptions available...We should be optimistic that Parliamentwill function smoothly...Better sense will prevail and thingswill be sorted out amicably".

BJP and Left parties are united on the demand for JPC.

The Left contention is that the arrest of former TelecomMinister A Raja and findings of the Shivraj Patil Committeehave reinforced the demand for JPC into the 2G spectrumallocation scam.

"We want the House to function. Whether the House willfunction or not, that is the responsibility of the government.

If it remains obdurate like it remains now that there is noJPC, the responsibility of functioning of Parliament is on thegovernment," CPI-M Parliamentary Party leader Sitaram Yechurysaid.

Asked whether the Left would agree to have a discussionin Parliament on the need for a JPC probe, he said there wasno such proposal from the government in this regard. (more)PTI AMR SPG